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Rachel Watkins

I am tremendously excited to join the Erie PK-8 community as a PE teacher. I am passionate about helping students and families live happy, healthy and active lives.

I moved to Colorado in 2014 from Minnesota, with my husband, Isaac, of 16 years and sons, Zeke (12) and Cooper (8), in order to better live the active lifestyle they all enjoy. While having braved the cold and the snow for most of their lives, they have found the mild weather and sunshine in Colorado to better suit their adventures.

Starting from a young age I was involved in an array of sporting events. I was an avid horseback rider and competed in barrel and pole competitions in many local rodeos. In fifth grade I started an athletic career in volleyball, basketball and track. That took me through high school. It was because of my positive experiences with all of these activities that led me to find my passion of lifetime health, wellness, and fitness. It was no question what I wanted to be when I grew up!

In Minnesota I acquired a teaching license through St. Cloud State University and then went on to teach physical education, health, and adapted PE in the Becker School District for nine years. I was able to teach in grades kindergarten through twelfth. Although I enjoyed teaching all grade levels, the elementary and middle school students are the grades I enjoy working with the most.

Since moving to Colorado, I have taught in the St. Vrain Valley school district at Westview Middle School. Along with teaching, I was the head coach of volleyball and track. I brought passion for physical activity and the outdoors to the students by offering climbing club, yoga club, and backpacking.

When I am not teaching or coaching, you will find me running or hiking the trails, skiing the slopes, camping with my family, teaching or participating in a yoga class, or out exploring this beautiful country we are so fortunate to call home.